10-substituted pregnane derivatives



United States Patent Ofice 33,206,484 Patented Sept. 14, 1965 Iii-SUBSTITUTED PREGNANE DERIVATIVES Alexander D. Cross, Mexico City, Mexico, assignor to Syntcx Corporation, Panama, Panama, a corporation of Panama No Drawing. Filed Dec. 23, 1963, Ser. No. 332365 Claims priority, application Mexico, Sept. 2, 1963,

73,693 22 Claims. (Cl. 260-3911) The present invention relates to novel cyclopentanophenanthrene derivatives and to a process for the prepa ZZZ |....OR

i=0 1..., OR

In the above formulae R and R each represent hydrogen or a hydrocarbon carboxylic acyl group of less than 12 carbon atoms; R represents hydrogen, a-methyl or ti -methyl; R represents hydrogen or methyl; X represents hydrogen, a keto group or a B-hydroxy group; and R represents a methyl radical (-CH a cyano radical (CN), a dicarbethoxymethyl grouping [-CH-(COOEt) an ethinyl radical (-C CH), an acetonyl radical or a j3-cyanoethyl radical oii2oii2cN all of them may have a or B-configuration at C-lO of the l9-nor-pregnane molecule.

The acyl groups are derived from hydrocarbon carboxylic acids containing less than 12 carbon atoms which The compounds represented by formula A are progestational compounds with oral activity, useful in fertility control and they also exhibit anti estrogenic and antigonadotrophic activity. In addition, they lower the blood and adrenal cholesterol levels.

The compounds represented by formula B have antiinflammatory properties and glycogen cummulative activity. In addition, they reduce the thymus and are antiestrogenic and anti-gonadotrophic hormones which are used as anti-arthritic and anti-rheumatic agents.

The novel compounds of the present invention are prepared by the process exemplified by the following equation:

W U ill O O i I I 5 (I) 5 (II) R 3 (IJH OR CHE-0R2 (3:0 )=O HO -wRl X1 1 5 (IV) 3 (III) R. R

CH3 .+=o

O MN i R R4 v i H E H In the above formulae R, R R R and R have the same meaning as previously set forth. The wavy lines in positions 010 and C-16 indicate that the substituent attached to that position may have at or fl-orientation with respect to the steroidal nucleus; and X represents hydrogen or a free fi-hydroxyl group.

In carrying out the process outlined above, the starting compound which is a l7,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-l9- nor-A -Su-pregnen-Z-one derivative (I;X ::hydrogen) (prepared according to my US. patent application Serial No. 332,963, filed of even date) or the corresponding llfl-hydroxyl derivative (I;X :B-OH) which is obtained from the corresponding l9 nor-A -5a-pregnene-1;1fi, 17oc,21-tll0l-2,20-di01'1e ZI-acetate (also described in the aforesaid patent application) firstly by conventional saponification of the ester group at 0-21 and subsequent formation of the respective 17,20;20,2;1-tbismethylenedioxy-derivative by reaction with formaldehyde, in the presence of an acid catalyst such as hydrochloric acid, is treated with a methyl magnesium halide, preferably methyl magnesium bromide, in a suitable solvent inert to the Grignard reagent such as tetrahydrofuran and in the presence of cupr-ous chloride, thus giving the respective 10a-miethyl-17,2(};20,2 1 bismiethylenedioxy-l*9-nor-5apregnan-2-one as well as the corresponding 10,8-methylisomer (II; R :CH

In order to obtain the (10m or {3) cyano steroid derivatives of the present invention, the aforesaid starting compound is treated with a cyanide of an alkali metal, such as potassium cyanide, dissolved in a hydroxylated organic solvent, as for example ethanol, and preferably at reflux temperature, thus giving the corresponding IDOL-cyano- 17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5u-pregnan-20-one derivative and the respective IOB-cyano isomer When preparing the 10d or lOE-dicarbethoxymethyl derivatives of IQ-nor-pregnane, the starting A -2-keto steroidal compound (I) is treated under anhydrous conditions with diethyl malonate in an organic solvent inert to this reagent, preferably ethanol, and in the presence of a suitable basic catalyst, such as for example sodium ethoxide, to produce the corresponding 10a-dicarbethoxymethyl l7,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy 19-nor-5a-pregnan-Z-one derivative together with the respective 105- isomer [II; R =CH-(COOEt) In order to obtain the 1000 or lOB-ethinyl derivatives of the present invention the starting compound (I) is reacted with a metal acetylide, preferably lithium acetylide, in a solvent inert to the organometal reagent, such as tetrahydrofuran, to give the corresponding IOa-ethinyI- 17,20;20,2l bismethylenedioxy-l9-nor-5a-pregnan-2-one derivative and the respective IOB-ethinyl-isomer (II; R =-CECH) Upon treatment of the starting compound (I) with dimethylketone in the presence of a basic catalyst, such as piperidine, there are obtained the corresponding 100tacetonyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-a-pregnan-2-one derivative and the respective IOfi-isomer. Following the same procedure but substituting dimethyl-ketone by acrylonitrile and using a basic catalyst preferably benzyltrimethyl ammonium hydroxide (Triton B), in an inert solvent, such as dioxane, there are obtained the corresponding 10a-(B-cyanoethyl) 17,21;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-2-one derivative and the corre- In all of the above reactions, the 100: and lop-isomers may be separated by conventional methods, such as chromatography or fractional crystallization.

In accordance. with the above equation, the IOocor lOfi-substituted 17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5apregnan-Z-one (II) i hydrolyzed by conventional methods, preferably with an acid under mild conditions, such as formic acid, thus producing the corresponding 10cc or IOfl-substituted 19 nor Sa-pregnane 17a,2l diol-2,20- dione (III; X R and R2:H) or 19-nor-5or-pregnane- 11fi,17 x,21-triol-2,20-dione compounds (III; X :,8-OH; R and R2=H) Conventional treatment of the latter steroid derivatives with an acid anhydride derived from a hydrocarbon car.- boxylic acid of less than 12 carbon atoms, in the presence of pyridine, produces the respective C-21 acylates of the 1004 or 10,8-substituted l9-nor-5a-pregnane-170,21- diol-2,20-dione (III; X and R H; R2=acyl) and 19- nor-5a-pregnane 1lfl,l7u,21-triol-2,20-dione derivatives (III; X =-OH; R=H; R =acyl). Conventional esterification of the free hydroxyl group at C-17u of the first mentioned C 21 esters (III; X and R H; R acyl) with a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid anhydride of the above described type (which hydrocarbon chain may be the same or different to that of the acyl radical previously attached to G21), and in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid, produces the corresponding O17, O21 diacylates of the 1000 or lOfi-substituted 19-nor-Sa-pregnanc-l7a,2l-diol-2,21-dione cornopunds (III; X =H; R and R acyl).

Alternatively, upon incubatioin of the 100: or 10,6- substituted 19-nor-5a-pregnane l7a,2l-diol 2,20-dione (III; X R and R :H) derivative with adrenal glands in a suitable medium, for example an aqueous solution of alkali metal phosphates and chlorides together with magnesium sulfate, mixed with an aqueous solution of fumaric acid and sodium hydroxide, for a period of time of the order of 3 hours, at a temperature of around 2837 C., there are. produced the corresponding 100: or IOB-substituted l9-nor-5or-pregnane l1,8,17a,2l-triol-2,20-dione derivatives (IV; R =H), which are subsequently esterified conventionally at C-21 and oxidized, preferably with Jones reagent, to produce the corresponding C-21 acylates of the lost or me -substituted 19-nor-5u-pregnane-17a,2ldiol-2,ll,20-trione (V; R acyl).

The elimination of the 21-hydroxy group of the 10d or 10,8 substituted 19 nor Six-pregnan-l7oz,2l-diol-2,20- dione derivatives (III; X R and R =I-I) is carried out by treatment with tosyl chloride in pyridine solution to give the corresponding C-21 tosylates, which upon subsequent detosylation by treatment with potassium iodide in acetic acid produces the corresponding 100: or 103- substituted 19 nOr-Su-pregnan-l7a-ol-2,20-dione derivative (VI; R=H). Conventional acylation of these compounds with a suitable acylating agent, such as an acid anhydride derived from a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid of less than 12 carbon atoms and in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid produces the corresponding 10a or 10,8 substituted l9 nor 5a pregnan-l7a-ol-2,20-dione C-17-acylate (VI; R=acyl).

The following specific examples serve to illustrate the present invention but are not intended to limit it.

PREPARATION 1 2 grams of the 21-acetate of 6a,16a-dimethyl-19-n0r- A -5or-pregnene-11,6,l7a,2l-triol-2,20-dione were dissolved in cc. of methanol and treated with 5 cc. of a 4% aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide; the reacting mixture was stirred at 0 C. during 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere; the mixture was neutralized with acetic acid and the methanol was distilled under reduced pressure. The residue was triturated with water, the solid filtered off, washed with water, dried and recrystallized from ethyl acetate-methanol, to produce 6a,l6a-dimethyll9-nor-A -5a-pregnene-1 1 B, 17 00,2 1-triol-2,20'-dione.

Following the same technique, there were treated the starting compounds listed under I to give the corresponding products set forth under II:

I II

6a, IBB-dimethyl-lQ-nor-A -M- pregnene-ll/S, 17oz, 21-triol-2, 20-

IQ-nor-A -5a-pregnene-115, 1704,

21-triol-2,20-dione.

6a-rnethyl-19-n0r-A en-pregnone-11,9, 17a,21-triol-2,20-dione.

PREPARATION 2 Starting Compounds Products nene-l15,17a,21-triol-2,20-dine.

name-11B,17a,21-triol-2,20-dione.

Example I To a, mixture of l g. of 6a,16a-dimethyl-17,20;20,21- bismethylenedioxy 19-nor-A -Sa-pregnen-Z-One (Cpd. No. 1) (prepared according to my copending US. patent application Serial No. 332,963 filed of even date), 1 g. Y

of cuprous chloride and cc. of anhydrous tetrayhdrofuran was added, while stirring and cooling, 30 cc. of tetrahydrofuran, containing 3 mol. equiv. of methyl magnesium bromide.

The mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 28 C., then poured into ice-water, containing dilute hydrochloric acid. The product was extracted with methylene chloride, the extract Washed to neutral with water and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvent at reduced pressures gave a residue, which was purified by successive crystallization from methylene chloride-hexane to produce :,10a,l6a-trimethyl-l7,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5u-pregnen-2-0ne (Cpd. No. 2) and the corresponding IOfi-isomeric compound.

The starting compounds listed below were treated by the same procedure to give the corresponding IO'rx-Sllbstituted products set forth hereinafter, together with each one of the corresponding lOfl-isomers which could be isolated from the obtained mixture in each case, by the use of fractional crystallization or conventional chromatogr raphy methods:

6 Example II 5 g. of 6a,16a-dimethyl-17,20:20,2l-bismethylenedioxy- 19-nor-A -5a-pregnen-2one (Cpd. No. 1) were mixed with 8 g. of potassium cyanide in 200 cc. of ethanol and then the obtained mixture was heated under reflux during 10 hours. It was cooled, diluted with water and the produce of the reaction extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extract was washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent distilled off.

The obtained residue was chromatographed on a column having 250 g. of neutral alumina and from the fractions eluted with benzene ether (1:1) there was obtained a cyano-6a,16adimethyl-17,20;20,21 bisrnethylenedioxy-l9-nor-5a-pregnen-2-one (Cpd. No. 25), and from the fractions eluted with a benzene-ether (1:2) was isolated the corresponding lOfi-isomer which was found in a smaller proportion than the lOu-isomer.

Following exactly the above technique, there were treated the starting compounds Nos. 3 to 13, inclusive, set forth in Example I to give the corresponding lOa-substituted products set forth hereinafter each together with the respective lOfl-isomer which was separated in each case using the procedures mentioned in said example.

Cpd No.: Obtained products 26. l0ot-cyano-6a,l6,9-dimethyl-17,20:20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-2-one.

27. IOa-cyano-l 6,B-methyl-17,20: 20,2 l-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5u-pregnan-2-one.

28. 10a-cyano-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedi0xy-19- nOr-Sa-pregnan-Z-One.

29. l0a-cyano-16a-methyl-17,20;20,2lbismethylenedioxy-19nor-5a-pregnan-2-one.

30. 10a-cyano-6a-methyl-17,20;20,21-bis- I methylenedioxy-l9-nor-5a-pregnan-2-one.

31. lOa-cyano-6a,16a-dimethyl-17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-l9-nor-5a-pregnan-1 1,8-01- 2-one.

32. 10rx-cyano-6a,16B-dimethyl-17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5u-pregnen-1 lfl-ol- 2-one.

33. Ida-cyano-l-6,6-methyl-17,20;20,2I-bismethylenedioxy-l9-nor-5a-pregnan-l 1/3-ol-2-one.

34. 10 a-cyano-17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy- 19-nor-5a-pregnan-1 lfi-ol-Z-one.

35. IOa-cyano-l6a-methyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-11B-01-2-one.

36. l0a-cyano-6oc-methyl-l7,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnen-1 1,8-01-2-one.

Cpd. Starting Compounds Cpd. Products No. No.

GaJGB-dimethyI-IZZO; 20,21-bismethylene- 14 6a,10a,16B-trimethyl-17,20;20,21-bismethy1- dioxy-lQ-nor-A -5a-pregnen-2-one. enedioxy-19-nor-5a, pregnau-2-one. 16,8-methyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy- 15 10a,16fl-dimethy1-17,20;20,2l-bismethylene- 19-n0r-A -5a-pregnen-2-one. dioxy-l9-nor-5a-pregnan-2-one. 17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor- 16 10a-methyl-17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy- A -5a-pregnen-2-one. 19-n0r-5a-pregnan-20ne. lfia-methyl-17,20;20,21-bismethy1enedioxy- 17 10a,16adimethyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylene- 19-nor-A -5a-pregnen-2-one. di0xy-19-n0r-5a-pregnan-2one.

7 6a-methyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy- 18 6a,10u-dimethyl-17,20;20,21-bismethy1ene 19-nor-A -5 a-pregnen-2-one. dioxy-l 9-n0r-5 a-pregnan-Z-one.

8 601,16a-dimethy1-17,20;20,21-bismethy1ene- 19 6a,10a,lfia-trimethyl-IZZO;20,21-bismethyldioxy-lQ-nor-A -5a-pregnen-11fi-ol-2- ene di0xy-19-n0r-5a-pregnan-l1B-o1-2-one. one.

9 6a,lfifl-dimethyl-l7,20;20,21-bismethylene- 20 6a,10a,16B-trimethyl-l7,20;20,21-bismethyldioxy-lQ-nor-A (l0) -5a-pregnen-1 15-01-2- enedioxy-l9-11or-5a-pregnan-11fl-ol-2-one. one.

10 16/3-1nethy1-17,20;20,21-bismethylcnedioxy- 21 10a,16B-dimethy1-17,20;20,21-bismethylene- 19-nor-A wpregnen-llfi-ol-Z-one. dioxy-l9-nor-5a-pregnan-11B-ol-2-one.

11 17,20;20,21-hismethylencdioxy-l9-nor-A 22 10a-methyl-17,20;20,21-bisn1ethylenedioxy- 5a-pregnen-11B-oL2-one. 19-n0r-5a-pregnan-11B-ol-2-one.

12-..--- 16a-metl1yl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy- 23. 10a,16a-dimethyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylene- 19-nor-A -5a-pregnen-llfl-ol-2-one. di0xy-19-nor-5:x-pregnan-11B-o1-2-one.

13 6a-methyl-17,20;20,ZI-bismethylenedioxy- 24 6a,10a-dimethyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylene- 19-nor-A -5a-pregnen-11fi-ol2-one. di0xy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-1IfioI-Z-one.

7 Example Ill To a solution of sodium ethoxide in ethanol (prepared from 500 mg. of recently cut sodium in cc. of absolute ethanol) were added 7 cc. of diethyl malonate, freshly distilled, together with 15 g. of 6a,16 x-dirnethyl- 17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19 nor A 50c pregnen2-one dissolved in 200 cc. of absolute ethanol. The obtained mixture was heated under reflux in a nitrogen atmosphere during 2 hours and was clarified after 15 minutes of having initiated the heat. The solution thus obtained was cooled and poured into a mixture of 380 cc. of water and cc. of acetic acid. The organic product was extracted with ethyl-acetate and the aqueous fractions were extracted two times more with the same solvent (100 cc. each time). The organic extracts were combined washed with a diluted solution of sodium carbonate in water and then washed to neutral with Water. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The residue was chromatographed on a column prepared with 600 g. of silica-gel and the solid fractions eluted with benzene ether (3-1) produced 10a-dicarbethoxymethyl-6a,16adimethyl 17,20;20,21 bismethylenedioxy 19' nor cpregnan-2-one (Cpd. No. 37). Further elution with ether gave the corresponding 10fi-isomer. The two isomers were recrystallized separately from acetonehexane to produce the corresponding pure derivatives.

The starting compounds, No. 3 to 13 inclusive, set forth in Example I were treated in an identical manner, to produce the corresponding wot-substituted derivatives hereinafter set forth, together with the respective 10fl-steroid isomers.

Cpd. No.: Produced compounds 3 8. 10w (dicarbethoxymethyl)-6 z,16,6-dimethy1- 17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-2-one.

39. 10a-(dicarbethoxymethyl)-16fi-1nethyl- 17 ,20;20,2 l-bisrnethylenedioxy- 19-nor-5 or-pregnan-2-one.

40. 10w (dicarbethoxymethyl) -17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5u-pregnan-2-one.

41. 10w (dicarbethoxymethyl) -16a-methyl- 17,20;20,2 l-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-Z-one.

42. 10a-(dicarbethoxyrnethyl)-6 x-rnethyl- 17,20;20,21-bismethy1enedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-Z-one.

43. 10: (dicarbethoxy'methyl) 1 6a-dimetl1yl- 17 ,20;20,2 l-bismethylenedioxy- 19-nor-5 a-pre gnan-.1 15-01-2-one.

44. 10ot-(dicarbethoxymethyl)-6or,16B-dimethyl- 17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5ot-pregnan-l 1 6-01-2-one.

45. 10a-(dicarbethoxymethyl)-16/3-methyl- 17,20 ;20,2 l-bismethylenedioxy- 19-nor-5 a-pregnan-1 1p-ol-2-one.

46. 1011- (dicarbethoxyrnethyl) 17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5or-pregnan-11B-ol-2-one.

47. 10w(dicarbethoxymethyl) -16a-rnethyl- 17 ,20;20,2 l-bismethylenedioxy- 1 9-nor-5 u-pregnan-l 1 ri-ol-Z-one.

48 10w (dicarbethoxymethyl err-methyl- 17,20 ;20,2 l-bisrnethylenedioxy-19-nor-5 rx-pregnan-l 1p-ol-2-one.

Example IV There was passed a slow current of purified acetylene through a suspension of 1 g. of lithium aluminum hydride in 50 cc. of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran during 3 hours at room temperature and with constant stirring, then there was added dropwise a solution of 1 g. of 6a,16 x-dimethyl- 17,20;2O,21-bism-ethylenedioxy-19-nor-A -5a pregnen- 2-one in 50 cc. of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran and the reacting mixture was kept during 24 hours under the same conditions, then it was poured into water.- The resulting mixture was acidified with a 2 N hydrochloric acid solution and the organic product extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with water until neutral, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. By chromatography of the residue on g. of neutral alumina there was produced 10a-ethinyl-6oc,16mdimethyl-17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy 19 nor pregnan-2-one (Cpd. No. 49) and the lOfi-ethinyl-isomeric derivative thereof.

Upon applying equally this procedure to the starting compounds Nos. 3 to 13 inclusive, listed in Example I there were obtained the corresponding 10a-ethinyl products indicated hereinafter together with each one of the respective isomeric lOfl-substituted derivatives which were separated from the original mixture of the two isomers by the purification technique set forth in said example.

Cpd. No.1 Products 50. 10orethinyl-6u,16,8-dimethyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-Sa-pregnan-2-0ne.

5 1. 10a-ethinyl-16fi-methyl-17,20;20,21-bismethy1- enedioxy-19-nor-5u-pIegnan-2-one.

52. IOa-ethinyl-17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-19- nor-Sa-pregnan-Z-Qne.

53. ltla-ethinyl-l6a-rnethyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-2-one.

54. 10zx-ethinyl-6a-rnethyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-2-one.

55. 10x-ethinyl-6u,16u-dirnethyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5ot-pregnan-1 113-01-2-one.

56. 19a-ethinyl-6a,1618-dimethyl-17,20;20,21-bis methylenediox -19-nor-5 x-pregnan-11B-ol-2-one.

57. 10u-ethinyl-16 3-methy1-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-115-01-2-one.

58. 10a-ethinyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19- nor-5 u-pregnan-l 1 fl-ol-Z-one.

59. IOa-ethinyl-16a-methyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5u-pregnan-11p-ol-2-one.

60. 10oc-ethinyl-6or-methyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5u-pregnan-1 lfi-ol-2-one.

Example V A solution of 5 g. of 6a,16o-dimethyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-A -5a-pregnen-2-one in 15 cc. of freshly distilled pyridine and 250 cc. anhydrous acetone, was heated under reflux during 16 hours. The excess of acetone together with the piperidine were eliminated by distillation in vacuo.- The obtained organic residue was chromatographed on a column of 250 g. of silica in order to obtain separately 10a-acetonyl-6a,16adimethyl 17,20;20,21 bismethylenedioxy 19 nor 5apregnan-Z-one (Cpd. No. 61) (eluted with benzene-ethermixture 121) and the corresponding ltlfi-isomeric derivative (eluted with benzene-ether-mixture 1:3). Crystallization of these steroid derivatives fromacetone-ether separately, gave the products in a pure form.

Following the same technique, there were treated thestarting compounds Nos. 3 to 13, inclusive, mentioned in Example I, to produce the corresponding 1OOL'lSOIIl6I'lC products hereinafter described, together with the respective IOfi-acetonyl substituted derivatives.

Cpd. No.2 Obtained products 62. 10a-acetonyl-6oc,1613-dimethyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-2-one. 63. 10a-21cetonyl-16/3-methyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-2-one.

64. 10u-acetonyl-17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy- 19-nor-5a-pregnan-2-one. 65. 10u-acetonyl-16or-methyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-2-one. 66. 10a-acetonyl-6a-methyl-17,20;20,21-bis-methylenedioxy-19-nor-5m-pregnan-2-one. 67. 10u-acetonyl-6a,1Ga-dimethyl-17,20;2(),21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5u-pregnan-1lfi-ol-Z-one.

9 Cpd. No.: Obtained products 68. 10a-acetonyl-6a,l6fi-dimethyl-17,20;20,21-bis methylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-1 1,8-ol-2-one.

69. 10a-acetonyl-16Bmethyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-11,8-ol-2-one.

70. 10ar-acetonyl-17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy- 19-nor-5a-pregnan-1lfi-ol-Z-one.

71. IOa-acetonyl-16a-rnethyl-17,20;20,2 l-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan1 1B-ol-2-one.

72. 10a-acetonyl-6a-methyl-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-11fi-ol-2-one.

Example VI 20 g. of 6a,16a-dimethyl-17,20;20,2 l-bismethylenedioxy 19-n0r-A -5u-pregnen-2-one were dissolved in 100 cc. of dio'xane together with 3 cc. of a 30% aqueous solu tion of benzyl tri-methyl ammonium hydroxide (Triton B) and then there were added 8 cc. of acrylonitrile dissolved in 20 cc. of dioxane while maintaining a constant stirring; at the beginning the temperature of the reacting mixture rose to approximately 40 C. Then the stirring was continued at room temperature during two hours, the mixture was acidified with diluted hydrochloric acid and the solvents eliminated by distillation in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on neutral alumina (500 g.). Elution with benzene-ether (2:1 and 1:1) produced 10a- (fl-cyanethyl)-6a,16u dimethyl 17,20:20,21 bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-2-one (Cpd. No. 73) and further elution with benzene-ether (1:3) and ether alone gave the corresponding IOfl-cyanomethyl isomeric steroid derivative. I

The starting compounds Nos. 3 to 13, inclusive, disclosed in Example I, were treated following the same procedure, to give the corresponding IOa-substituted products hereinafter set forth, each together with the respective IOB-isomer, which were separated from the original mixture, in each case, by fractional crystallization or by conventional chromatography methods.

Cpd. No.: Products 74. IOa-(fi-Cyzmoethyl)-6a,16/3-di-methyl-17,20;20, 2l-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnam2-one.

75. cc-(fi-cyanoethyl)-16,8-methyl-l7,20;20,21-

bismethylenedioxy-19-n0r-5a-pregnan-2-one.

76. 10w (,B-cyanoethyl) -17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioXy-19-nor-5e-pregnan-2-one.

77. 10a-(B-cyanoethyD-16u-methy1-17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-19-uor-5a-pregnan-2-one.

78. IOa-(fl-cyanoethyl)-6a-methyl-l7,20;20,2l-bismethylenedixoy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-2-0ne.

79. 10a-(/3cyanoethyl)-6oc,16a-dimethy1-17,20;20, 2l-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-1 16-01- 2-one.

80. IOa-(B-cyanQethyD-Ga,16 3-dimethyl-17,20;20, 2l-bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-1 -01- 2-one.

81. 10a-(fl-cyanoethyl)-16,B-methyl-17,20;20,21-

bismethylenedioxy-19-nor-5a-pregnan-1 1,8-01-2- one.

82. l0a-( 8-cyanoethyl)-17,20;20',2l-bismethylenedioxy-l9-nor-5u-pregnan-11,8-01-2-one.

83. 10a-(fi-cyanoethyl)-16a-methy1-17,20;20,21-bismethylenedioxy- 1 9-nor-5a-pregnan-1 1 8-ol-2-one.

84. 10a-(,B-cyanoethyl)-6a-methyl-17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-l9-nor-5a-pregnan-1 1,6-012-o11e.

Example VII 1 g. of 6u,10a,'16oc-trimethyl-17,20;20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-l9-nor-5e-pregnan-2-one (Cpd. No. 2) was heated on the steam bath with cc. of 60% formic acid for 15 minutes, cooled, diluted with Water and the precipitate was collected, washed with Water, dried, and recrystallized from acetone-hexane, thus affording 6u,10a,l6a-trimethyl- 19-n0r-5a-pregnane-17a,21-diol2,20-di0ne (Cpd. No. 85).

The compounds Nos. 14 to 84, inclusive, were reacted in the same manner to give respectively.

Cpd. No.:

' Products 8 6. 601,10u, IGB-tn'methyl-19-nor-5u-pregnane-17a,

2 l-diol-2,20-dione.

87. 101x,16,8-dimethyl-19-nor-5u-pregnan-17a,21-

diol-2,20-dione.

88. 10a-methyl-19-n0r-5u-pregnane-17,21-di0l- 2,20-dione.

89. 10a,16a-dimethyl-19-nor-5a-pregnan-170:,21-

diol-2,20-dione.

90. 6a,1Ou-dimethyI-19-nor-5a-pregnan-1711,21-

di0l-2,20-dione.

91. 6oz,10a,16zx-trimethyl-19-nor-5a-pregnane-1 1,8,

17a,21-triO1-2,20-d1011.

92. 6a,10a,l6B-trimethyl-19-11or-5a-pregnane-11B,

17ot,2 l-tri0l-2,20-dione.

93 10a,16,8-dimethyl-19-nor-5ot-pregnane-115,170,

2 l-triol-2,20-dione.

94. IOa-methyl-19-nor-5a-pregnan-l 1/3,17a,21-

triol-2,20-dione.

95. 10a,16wdimethyl-19-nor-5a-pregnane-11,8,

17a,21-triol-2,20-dione.

96. 6u,10a-dimethy1-19-nor-5a-pregnane-1 1,8,17oc,

21-triol-2,20-di0ne.

97. 10u-cyano-6a, 1 6oc-d1II161hYl- 19-nor-5a-pregnane-17u,21-diol-2,20-dione.

98. 10a-cyano-6a,1GB-dimethyl-19-nor-5a-pregnane-17a,21-diol-2,20-dione.

99. IOa-cyanO-16,8-methyl-19-n0r-5a-pregnane- 17a,21-diol-2,20-di0ne.

100. 10a-cyan0-19-nor5u-pregnane-170:,21-di0l- 2,20 dione.

101. 10a-cyano-1Got-methyl-l9-nor-5a-pregnanec,21di0l-2,20d10116.

102. 10a-cyano-6a-methyl-19-nor-5a-pregnane- 17a,21di012,ZO-di0116 103. 10ot-cyano-6e,16a-dimethyl-19-n0r-5ot-pregnane-l1B,17u,21-triol-2,20-dione.

104. 10a-cyano-6m,16/3-dimethyl-19-nor5u-pregnane-l1B,17a,21-triol-2,20-di0ne.

105. 10a-cyano-16/3-methyl19-nor-5u-pregnane- 11B,17a,21-tri0l-2,20-dione.

106. 10a-cyano-19-n0r-5a-pregnane-1 1(3, 1705,21-

triol-2,20-dione.

107. IOa-cyano-l6u-rnethyl-19-nor-5ot-pregnane- 11,8,17u,21-triol-2,20-dione.

108. 10a-cyano-6a-methyl-19-nor-5a-pregnane- 11,8,17a,21-tI1012,20-d10116.

109. 10a-(dicarbethoxymethyl)-6a,16a-dimethyl- 19-nor-5a-pregnan-17a,21-di0l-2,20-dione.

110. 10a-(dicarbethoxymethyl)-6e,16,8-dimethyl- 19-nor-5zx-pregnan- 17oc,2 l-diol-2,20'-dione.

11 1. 10m-(dicarbethoxymethyl)-16B-methyl-l9- nor-Sa-pregnan-l7a,21-diol-2,20-di0ne.

112. 10a-(dicarbethoxymethyl)l9-r1or-5apregnan-l7a,21-diol-2,20-di0ne.

113. 10a-(dicarbethoxyrnethyl)-16a-methyl-19- nOr-Sa-pregnan-I 70,21-d1 O1-2,20-di011- 114. IUa-(diCfilbfithOXYmCthYl) -6u-methyl-19- nOr-Sa-pregnan-17a,21-diol-2,20dione.

115. IOa-(dicarbethOXymethyI)-6u,16a-dirnethyl- 19-nor-5a-pregnan-1 1,8, 170c,21-tIiOl-2,20-d10116.

1 l6. 10a-(dicarbethoxymethyl)-6a,16fi-dimethyl- 19-n0r-5a-pregnane-1 1,8,17a,21-triol-2,20-dione.

1 17. 1004- (dicarbethoxymethyl) -l6fi-methyl-19- nor-5a-pregnane-1 1,8,17a,21-triol-2,20-dione.

1 l8. 10a-(dicarbethoxymethyl)-19-nor-5apregnane-l 1B,17a-21-triol-2,20-dione.

1 19. 10a-(dicarbethoxymethyl)-16a-methyl-19 nor-Sa-pregnane-l 1,8,17a,21-triol-2,20-dione.

120. 1 00- (dicarbethoxymethyl) -6o-methyl-19- nOr-Sa-pregnane-l 1B,17a,21-tri0l-2,20-dione.

121. 10a-ethinyl-6u, 1 6a-dimethyl- 19-11OI-5ocpregnane-17a,21-dio1-2,20-dione.

122. 10u-ethinyI-6a,16,8-dimethyl-19-nor-5apregnane-17a,2l-dio1-2,20-dione.

1 1 Cpd. N0.: Products 123 100t-ethinyl-16,13-methyl-19-nor-50c-pregnane- 17 00,21-diol-2,20-dione.

124. 1000-ethinyl-19-nor-50t-pregnane-170t,21-

diol-2,20-dione. 1'25 1 Oa-ethinyl-l6a methyl-19-nor-50c-pregnane- 1700,21-diol-2,20-dione. 126. 100t-thiny1-60t-methyll 9-nor-5 t-pregnane- 17 00,2 1-diol-2,20-dione. 127. IOoc-fithinYl-Goa-l 600-dirnethyl-19-nor50tpregnane-l1,8,l70z,2l-triol-2,20-dione. 128. 10a-BthinYl-6oc,16B-dim6thy1-19n0I5upregnane-l lfl,17a,21-triol-2,20-dione. 129. 100t-ethinyl-1Git-methyl-19-nor-5a-pregnane- 11B,170t,2l-triol-2,2O-dione. 13 0. 1O0t-ethiny1-19-nor-5 a-pregnane-115,1700,21-

triol-2,20-dione. 13 1. lOe-ethinyl-16wmethy1-19-nor-5 a-pregnane- 11B,17a,21-t1'i01-2,20-di0116. 132. 1000-ethinyl-60t-methyl-19-nor-5a-pregnane- 11B,17a,21-trio1-2,20-dione. 13 3. 100t-acetonyl-60t,16a-dimethyl-19-nor-50tpregnane-17a,21-dio1-2,20-dione. 134. 100t-acetonyl-60t, 1 6,8-dimethyl-1 9-1'1015upregnanc-17a,21-diol-2,20-dione. 135. 1O00-acetony1-16fl-methyl-l9-nor-50tpregnane- 17 0,2 1-di0l-2,20-dione. 13 6. 1000-acetony1-19-nor-50t-pregnane-170,21-

diol-2,20 dione. 13 7. 100t-acetony1-1600-methyl-19-nor-50tpregnanc-17a,21-diol-2,20-dione. 13 8. 1Oa-acetonyl-600-methyl-19-nor-50t-pregnane- 170t,21-diol-2,2O-di0ne. 139. 100t-acetonyl-600,1 600-dimethyl-1 9-I1OI-5OC- p-regnane-l13,17a,21-triol-2,20-dione. 140. 100t-acetonyl-6a,1613-dimethy119-nor-50tpregnane-l15,1700,21-triol-2,20-dione. 14 1. 100t-acetonyl-16fi-methyl-19-nor-50c-pregnane 1113,1700,21-triol-2,20-dione. 142. lOu-acetonyl-19-nor-500-pregnane-1113,1700,21-

triol-2,20-dione. 143 1000-acetony1-1600-methyl-l9-nor-5apregnane-l1/3,170t,21-triol-2,20-dione. 144. 100t-acetonyl-60t-methyl-19-nor-5a-pregnane- 11B,1700,21-triol-2,20-dione. 145 10w (fi-cyanoethyl) -60t,160t-dimthy1-19-DO1- 500-pregnane-17rx,21-diol-2,20-dione. 146. 1000-( 8-cyanoethyl)-600,165-dimethyl-19-nor- :x-pregnane-17a,21-diol-2,20-dione. 147. 1000- ,B-cyanoethyl) 16 ,8-rnethyl-l9-nor-5 acpregnane-l7a,21-diol-2,20-dione. 148. 1000-(,B-cyanoethyl)-19-nor-50-pregnane- 1 7a,21-diol-2,20-dione. 149. oc- (fl-cyanoethyl) -160t-methy1-19-nor-50tpregnane-17a,21-diol-2,20-dione. 150. 10oc- B-cyanoethyl) -600-methyll9-nor-5 ocpregnane- 1700,21-diol-2,20-dione. 151. 1000- (B-cyanoethyl) -60t,160-dimethyl-19-nor- 5 a-pregnane-l 1B,l7oc,2l-tl'iO1-2,20'-d10116. 2. lOa- (fi-cyanoethyl) -6a,16,B-dimethyl-19-nor- 5 wpregnane-l 1,8,170,2 1-triol-2,20-dione. 15 3. 10a-(fi-cyanoethy1)-16,8-methyl-19-nor-5 Otpregnane-l1B,1700,21-trio1-2,20-dione. 15 4. 1000-(B-cyanoethy1)-19-nor-5 a-pregnane 11/3,17a,21-triol-2,20-dione. 15 5 100t-(B-cyanoethyl)-16a-methyl-19-n0r-5apregnane-l1B,170t,21-triol-2,20-dione. 15 6. 1011- fl-cyanoethyl -60-methyl-19-nor-5 00- pregnane-l1B,1700,21-trio12,2O-dione.

Following the same procedure there were treated the corresponding 10,8-substituted isomers of the starting materials No. 2 and Nos. 14 to 84, inclusive, to produce the IOB-isomeric derivatives of the stated compounds Nos. 85 to 156, inclusive.

12 Example VIII A mixture of 1 g. of 60,100:,16OL-tIiIT18thY1-19-I10f-50L- pregnane-17a,21-diol-2,20-dione (Cpd. No. 8 cc. of pyridine and 4 cc. of acetic anhydride was kept at room temperature overnight, poured into ice water, the formed precipitate was filtered, washed with water and dried. Crystallization from acetone-hexane gave the 2l-acetate of 6d,].Oa,16OL-tlim6thY1-19-I10f-5OL pregnane-170t,21-diol- 2,20-dione (Cpd. No. 157).

Following the same method,.there was treated the corresponding loo-isomer of compound No. 85, set forth in this Example, to produce, the respective 1OB-substituted C-21 steroidal acetate.

Example IX Upon applying the esterification technique of Example VIII to the 021 free hydroxy compounds Nos. 86 to 156, inclusive, set forth in Example VII, there were obtained the corresponding mot-substituted steroidal C-Zl monoacetates.

In an identical manner, there were treated the corresponding lop-substituted isomers of the mentioned compounds Nos. 86 to 156, inclusive, to obtain the respective 10p-isomeric steroidal. C-21 acetates.

Example X The compoundsNos. 85 to, 15,6, inclusive, were treated according to Example VIII, except that acetic anhydride was substituted by propionic anhydride, caproic anhydride and cyclopentylpropionic anhydride, to obtain the corresponding C-21-propionates, C-Zl-caproates, and O 2l-cyclopentylpropionates of the aforesaid compounds.

The same esterification technique was followed but the steroidal starting materials were the corresponding 10B- substituted isomers of compounds Nos. 85 to 156, inclusive, to give the aforesaid C-21-esters of the respective lOfi-substituted isomers.

Example XI To a solution of 5 g. of the 21-acetate of 60,1006,160L- trimethyl 19-nor-5a pregnane170,21 dio1-2,20-dione (Cpd. No. 157) in cc. of anhydrous benzene there were added 1 g. of p-toluenesulfonic acid and 10 cc. of acetic anhydride and the mixture was allowed to stand for 24 hours at room temperature, poured into ice and water, and the resulting mixture stirred to effect hydrolysis of the excess anhydride. The benzene layer was separated and washed with 10% sodium carbonate solution and Water. Drying, evaporation and crystallization of the residue from ether-hexane produced the diacetate of 60,1000,1600 trimethyl19 nor-Su-pregnane 17a,21-d101 2,20-dione (Cpd. No. 158).

Following the same method therev was treated the corresponding lOB-isomer of Cpd. No. 157, previously set forth, to produce the respective 10,6-substituted, 17,21- steroidal diacetate.

Example XII Example XIII The 1000 and 10B-substituted ll-desoxy steroidal C-Zlmonoacetate compounds; (obtained according with Examples VIII andIX) were reacted following the technique described in Example XI, except that acetic anhydride was substituted by propionic anhydride, caproic anhydride' Example XIV The following solutions A, B and C were prepared using distilled water as solvent: solution A was prepared by mixing 425 cc. of a 1.742% dipotassic phosplate solution (K HPO with 75 cc. of 1.38% monosodic phosphate; solution B Was prepared by diluting a 19.1% magnesium sulfate, to a volume of 5 lt.; solution cc. of a 5.75% potassium chloride solution and cc. of a 19.1% magnesium sulfate, to a volume of 5 1t; solution C was prepared by dissolving 20.9 g. of fumaric acid and 14.4 g. of sodium hydroxide in 1 lt. of water and diluting the solution to 1.2 lt. Then 475 cc. of solution A, 4.32 lt. of solution B and 1.2 lt. of solution C were mixed. Adrenal glands of recently slaughtered cattle, defatted, were ground in a meat grinder until a homogeneous mass was obtained; to 1 kg. of homogenate was added 2 liters Of the mixtures of A, B and C solutions with vigorous stirring. To the mixture there was then added 1 g. of 6a,10ot,160c trimethyl-19-nor SoL-pregnane 17a,21-diol- 2,20-dione (Cpd. No. 85) dissolved in 5.35 parts of propyleneglycol, the mixture was stirred at 2837 C. for 3 hours, 13 liters of acetone were added and the mass was stirred at room temperature for an additional 1 hour.

The acetone extract was separated by filtration, the ground adrenals were washed with 6 liters of acetone, the extracts were combined and the solvent removed by distillation under reduced pressure. Chromatography on alumina and crystallization of the solid fractions eluted with benzene-ethers (70:30) afforded 60c,l0u,l6at1'imethyl-19 nor-Sa-pregnane-l1fi,17a,21 triol-2,20-dione (Cpd. No. 91), identical to the one obtained in Example VII.

Following the above procedure, there was treated the corresponding IOB-substituted isomer' of compound No. 85, described above, to give the respective IOB-substituted- 11,8,17a,21-trihydroxy steroidal derivative.

Inthe same manner there were reacted the ll-desoxy- 10cc substituted C-17u,C-21 dihydroxy steroidal compounds, obtained according with Example VII to produce the corresponding IOa-substituted-I1B,17a,21-trihydroxy steroids, identical to those set forth in that example.

In the same manner there were treated the corresponding IOfl-substituted-ll-desoxy-C-17a,C-21-dihydroxy steroidal derivatives, obtained in the same Example VII, to give the respective 10fi-substituted-l1 3,17a,21-trihydroxy steroidal compounds, also prepared in that example.

Example XV Example VI A solution of 1 g. of the 21-acetate of 6u,10a,l6oc-trlmethyl19 nor-Sa-pregnane 11fi,1-7a,21-triol-2,20 dione (Cpd. No. 159) in 10 cc. of acetone was cooled to 0 C. and treated under an atmosphere of nitrogen and with -14 stirring with a solution of 8N chromic acid (prepared by mixing 26 g. of chromium trioxide with 23 cc. of concentrated sulfuric acid and diluting with water to cc.), until the color of the reagent persisted in the mixture. It was stirred for 5 minutes further at 0-5 C. and diluted with water. The precipitate was collected, Washed with water and dried under vacuum,thus affording a crude product which upon recrystallization from acetone-hexane gave the 21-acetate of 60:,10u,16a-trimethyl-19-nor-5w pregnane-17a,21-diol-2,11,20-trione (Cpd. No.

Following the same procedure there was treated the corresponding IOB-isomer of the starting compound of this example, to give the corresponding 2,11,20-triketo-20flsubstituted pregnane compound.

Example XVII Upon applying the oxidation technique of Example XVI, to the wot-substituted starting compounds listed hereinafter under I (obtained according to Example IX or XV), there were obtained the corresponding products set forth under II:

I Cpd. II

21-acetate of 6a, 100:, 16a-tri- 161 ZI-acetate of 6a, 1002, Mia-trimethyl-19-nor-5a-pregnanemethyl-19-nor-5a-preg'nane- 113, 17a, 21-trio1 2,20-dione. 17a,21-dio1-2,11,20-tri0ne.

21-acetate of 10m,16fl-dirnethyl- 163 21-acetate oi 10a,16B-dirnethyl- 19-nor-5a-pregnane-116,17a, 19-I10t-5a-1JI8gHdI10-17a,21- 21-trio1-2,20-dione. dio1-2,11,20-trione.

21-acctate of 10a-rnethyl-19- 164 ZI-acetate 0f IOa-methyl-IQ- n0r-5a-pregnane-11fi,1771,21- ROI-5a-P1GgllitIlQ-17m2ltrio1-2,20-dione. diol-2,11,20-trione.

2l-acetate-10m,16a-dimethy1- 165 21-acetate of 10(1,16C!-dl- 19-nor-5a-pregnane-11fl,17a, methyl-19-nor-5a-pregnane- 21-triol-2,20-dione. l7u,21-diol 2,ll,20-trione.

21-acetate of 60:,1Ua-CIIIH6i2hYl- 166 21-aeotate of GaJOa-dimethyl- 19-nor-5a-pregnane-11B,17a, 19-nor-5a-pregnane-17a,21- 21-triol-2,20-dione. dio1-2,11,20-trione.

21-acetate of IOQ-cyanO-(ia, 167 21-acetate of IOa-OYaHO-Gzx, 16a-dl1'l16tllyl-19-I1OT-5a- 16a-dimethy1-19-non5apregnane-llflAMQI-triolpregnane-17a,21-di0l-2,l1, 2,20-dione. 2O-tri0ne.

21-acetate of 10a-eyano-6a, 168 ZI-acetate of 10u-cyano-6a, 16/3-dimethyl-19-n0r-5a- 16B-dimethyl-19-nor-5apregnane-llfi,17a,21-tri0lpregnane-17a,21-diol-2,11, 2,20-dione. ZO-trione.

21-acetate of 10a-cyano-16B- 169 zl-acetate of l0a-cyan0-16fimethy1-19-n0r-5a-pregnanemethyl-l9-nor-5wpregnane- 11B,17a,2l-triol-2,20-dione. 1711,21-di0l-2,11,20-trione.

21-acetate of IOa-eyano-IQ- 170 21-acetate of l0a-cyano19- nor-M-pregnane-llfldh, nor-5a-pregnane-17a, 21-triol-2,20-dione. dial-2,11,20-trione.

21-aeetate of 10a-eyano-16a- 171 21-acetate of 10a-eyano-16amethyl-lQ-nor-M-pregnanemethy1-19-n0r-5a-pregnane- 11B,17a,21-tri01-2,20-di0ne. 17,2l-di0l-2,11,20-tri0ne.

21-acetate of 10a-Oy3J10-6a- 172 2l-acetate of 10a-cyano-6amethyl-19-nor-5a-pregnanemethyl-19-nor-5a-pregnane- 11B,17a,21-triol-2,20-dione. 1771,21-di0l-2,11,20trione.

21-acetate of IOa-(dicarbeth- 173 ZI-acetate of IOa-(diearbethoxymethyl)-6a,16u-dioxymethyl)-6a,l6zx-dimethy1-19-nor-5a-pregnanemethy1-19-nor-5a-pregnane- 21-acetate of IOa-(dicarbeth- 174 21-acetate of IOa-(dicarbethoxyInethyl)-Ga,16 9-dioxy1nethyl)-6a,l6B-dimethy1-19-ncr-5a-pregnanemethyl-19-n0r-5a-pregnane- 11B,17a,21-triol-2.20-dione. 17a,21-dio1-2,11,20-tri0ne.

21-acetate of 10a-(dicarbeth- 175 21-acetate of IOa-(dicarbethoxymethyD-lGB-methyl-IQ- oxyrnethyl)-16B-methyl-19 nor-Sa-pregnane-IIB,17a,2lnor-Sa-pregnane-lhflltriol2,20-dione. diol-2,11,20-tri0ne.

Ell-acetate of l0a-(dicarbeth- 176 21-acetate of IOa-(dicarbethoxymethyl)-19-nor-5a-prcgoxymethyl)-19-nor-5a-pregname-116,l7 x,2l-triol-2,20- nane-17a,21-diol-2,1l,20- dione. trione.

ZI-acetate of 10a-(dicarbcth- 177 21-acetate of IOa-(diearbethoxymethyl)-l6a-methyl-19- oxyrnethyDdM-methyl-IQ- nor-5a-pregnane-11B,17a,2lnor-5a-pregnane-17a,21- tri0l-2,20-dione. diol2,l1,20-trione.

21-acetate of IOa-(diearbet'n- 178 21-acetate of lfla-(diearbeth- OXYHlBthYl)-6a-1I16l;l1y1-19- oxymethyl)-6amethy1-19- nor-5a-pregnane-11B,l7a,2lnor-swpregnane-lmflltriol-2,20dione. di0l-2,11,20-trione.

21-acetate of IOa-ethinyI-(SQ, 180 21-aeetate of l0 z8thll1yl-6or, 16B-dimethyl-19-nor-5 IGB-dimethyl-lQ-nor-Sapregnane-llfl,17a,21-tr1o1-2, pregnane-Na,21-diol-2,11, 20-di0ne. ZO-trione.

21-acetate of l0aethinyl-16fl- 181 ZI-acetate of l0a-ethinyl-16fimethyl-l -nor-fia-pregnanemethyl-19-n0r-5wpregnane- 116,17o;,21-triol-2,20-dione. 1701,21-di0l-2,11,20-trione.

21-acetate of l0a-ethinyl-l9- 182 2l-acetate of 10a-ethinyl-19- nor-5a.pregnane-11B,1701,21- nor-5a-preguane-17a,21- tri01-2,20-dione. dial-2,11,20-trioue.

I Cpd. II

2l-acetate of loa-ethinyl-lfia- 183 ZI-acetate of loa-ethinyl-lfiamethyl-l -nor-faa-pregnanemethyl19-nor-5a-pregnane- 115,l7a,21-tri0l-2,20-di0ne. 171,21-diO1-2,11,20 l31'l0l16.

21-acetate of 10methinyI-Ga- 184 21-acetate of IOa-BthlHyI-Gamethyl-19-nor-5a-pregnanemethyl-IQ-nor-Sa-pregnanellB,l7a,2l-tri0l-2,20-di0ne. 17a,2l-diol-2,ll,20-trione.

21-acetate of loa-acctonyl-(ia- 185 21-acetate of 10a-acetonyl-fia,

16i1-dimethyl-1Q-nor-Sa- 16a-dimethy1-19-nor-5apregnane-llfl,17a,21-trio1- pregnane-Ua,21-dil-2,11, 2,20-dione. ZO-trionc.

ZI-acetate of IOa-aCBtOIIYl-Sa, 186 21-acetate of 10a-acet0nyl-6a,

16fl-dimethyl-19-n0r-5a- 16Bdimethyl-19-nor-5 xpregnane-llfl,17a,21-tri0lpregnane-17a,21-diol-2,11, 2,20'dione. 20-trione.

21-acetate of lOa-acetonyl-IGB- 187 21-aeetate of 10a-acetonylmethyl-19-n0r-5a-pregnanel6fl-methyl-l9-nor-5a-preg- 116,1701,21-triol-2,20-di0ne. {lane-17a,2l-diol-2,11,20-

none.

21-acetate of 10a-acet0nyl-19- 188 21-acetate of l0a-acet0nyl-19 nor-fiwpregnane-llfifl 04,21- nor-a-pregnane-17n,21- triol-2,20-dione. diol-2,11,20-tricne.

21-acetate of lOa-acetonyl-lfia- 189 21-acetate of u-acetonyl-16ixmethyl-IQ-nor-fia-pregnanemethyl-l -nor-m-pregnane- 11B,l7a,21-trio1-2,20-dione. 17a,21-diol-2,l1,20-trione.

ZI-acetate of IOa-acctonyl-fia- 190 21-acetate of 10a-acetonyl-Gamethyl-19m or-fia-pregnanemothyl-19-nor-5a-pregnane- 11B,17a,21-triol-2,20-dione. 17a,21-diol-2,11,20 trione.

I triol-2,20-dione. di0l-2,11,20-trione.

ZI-acetate of IOOL-(B-CYEIHO- 192 2l-aeetate of llla-(lS-cyanoethyl) -6|1,16,8-di1nethy1-19- ethyl)-6a,16fl-dimetl1yl-l9- n0r-5a-pregnane-11 3,17 a, n0r-5a-pregnane-17a,21- 21-triol-2,20-dione. diol-2,11,20tri0ne.

2-l-acetate of lOa-(fl-cyanO- 193 21-acetate of 10a-(Bcyan0- ethyl)-16fl-methyl-19-norethyl) -16fl-methyl-l9-nor- 5a-pregnane-.11B,17a,21- 5a-pregnane-17a,21-dioltriol-2,20-dione. 2,11,20-trione.

21-acetate of 10a-(B-cyan0- 194 21-acetate of lfia-(fi-cyanoethyl) -19-nor-5a pregnaneethy1)-19-n0r-5a-pregnane- 11B,17a,21-trio1-2,20-dione. 17a,21-di0l-2,11,20-trione.

21-acetate of loa-(fi-cyano- 195 21-aeetate 0t IOa-(B-cyanoethyl)-16a-methyl-19-norethyl)-16a-metl1yl-19-nor- 5a-pregnane-11B,17a,21- 5a-pregnane-17a,21-diol-2, triol-2,20-dione. 11,20-tri0ne.

The same oxidation technique was applied to the 105- isomeric compounds of the products set forth under I, to obtain the corresponding 2,11,ZO-triketo-lOfl-isorneric compounds of the products listed under 11.

Example X VIII The 10a. and lOfi-susbstituted C-ll-hydroxy-steroidal C-21-propionates, C-ZI-caproates and C-21-cyclopenthylpropionates (obtained according to the method of Example X or Example XV) were oxidized in an identical manner, to produce the corresponding 10a or 10(3-substituted. 2,11,20-triketo steroidal compounds.

Example XIX A solution of 5 g. of 6oz,10ot,16oc-trimethyl19-I1OI-5apregnane-l7a,2l-diol-2,20-dione (Cpd. No. 85) in 25 cc. of pyridine was cooled to 0 was added 1.3 g. of tosyl chloride, the mixture was kept for 16 hours at 0 C., diluted with 100 cc. of chloroform, Washed with dilute hydrochloric acid, water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and again with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. Thus, there was obtained, the crude 21-tosylate of 6a,10a,1a-trimethyl-19-nor-5otpregnane-l7a, 21-diol-2,20-dione.

A solution of 2.5 g. of the above crude compound in 100 cc. of glacial acetic acid was treated with 7 g. of sodium iodide and the mixture was refluxed for 2 hours, poured into ice water and extracted several times with methylene chloride; the extracts were combined, Washed successively with aqueous sodium carbonate solution, sodium sulfite solution and water and then evaporated. By crystallization of the residue from acetone-hexane there was obtained 6a,10a,16a-trimethyl-19-nor-5a-pregnane-l7a-ol-2,20-dione (Cpd. No. 197).

Upon applying the same techinque to the 10fi-isomer of the starting compound of this Example, there was C. Under stirring there r obtained the corresponding lQB-substituted 21-des0xysteroidal derivative.

Example XX Example XXI There was applied the esterification techinque men- 'tioned in Example XI, to 60c,10oz,16ot-l1iII16ihYl-19-I1OI-5a ,pregnan-17a-ol-2,20-dione (Cpd. No. 197) to obtain the corresponding acetate of 606,1001.,16a-tlln16thyl-19-I1OY-5OL- pregnan-17-ol-2,20-dione (Cpd. No. 198).

There was treated in a similar manner the corresponding IOB-substituted isomer of Cpd. No. 197, to produce the respective lOfi-substituted steroidal acetate.

Example XXII The 1l-desoxy-l7-monohydroxy-lOa substituted-2,20- diketo-steroidal derivatives, (obtained according to the method of Example XX) were esterified following the technique of Example XI, to give the corresponding 1l-desoxy-17a-acetoxy-10a-substituted-2,20-diketo steroidal derivatives.

In the same manner there were treated the corresponding NIB-substituted isomers of the respective 17a-monohydroxy-2,20-diketo steroidal compound, to give the corresponding 17-acetate.

Example XXIII The 10a or substituted-11-desoxy-l7a-monohydroxy-steroidal compounds, set forth in Examples XXI and XXII, were treated following the esterification technique of Example XI, except that acetic anhydride was substituted by propionic anhydride, caproic anhydride and cyclopentylpropionic anhydride to produce the corresponding steroidal C-l7-propio'nates, C-17-caproates and C-17- cyclopentylpropionates of the aforesaid compounds.

Example XXIV 2 g. of compound No. was dissolved in 50 cc. of methanol and treated with 5 cc. of a 4% aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide; the reaction "mixture was stirred for 1 hour under an atmosphere of nitrogen at 0 C.; the mixture was neutralized with acetic acid and the methanol distilled under reduced pressure. The residue was triturated with water and the solid collected, washed with .water, dried and recrystallized from ethyl acetate- ;rnethanol, thus producing 6a,10a,16a-trimethyl-l9-nor-5apregnane-l7a,2l-diol-2,l1,20-trione (Cpd. No. 198).

The compounds Nos. 161 to 196, inclusive, were treated by the same procedure, to give the corresponding 21-free hydroxy compounds.

wherein R is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen and a hydrocarbon carboxylic acyl group of less than 12 carbon atoms; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a-methyl and fl-methyl; R is a member of a group consisting of hydrogen and methyl; R is selected from the group consisting of methyl, cyano, dicarbethoxymethyl, ethinyl, acetonyl and ,8-cyanoethyl.

2. A compound of the following formula:

wherein R and R are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a hydrocarbon carboxylic acyl group of less than 12 carbon atoms; R is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, a-methyl and ,B-methyl; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl; X is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, a keto group and a ,B-hydroxy group; and R is selected from the group consisting of methyl, cyano, dicarbethoxymethyl, ethinyl, acetonyl and /3-cyanoethyl.

3. IOa-methyl l9 nor-Sa-pregnane-ll,B,l7u,2l-triol- 2,20-dione.

4. 10oz cyano-19-nor-5a-pregnane 11,6,17a,21 triol- 2,20 -dione.

5. 10a dicarbethoxymethyl 19 nor 5oz pregnane- 11,6,17u,21-triol-2,20'-dione.

6. 100a ethinyl-19-nor-5a-pregnane-1lfi,17a,21 triol- 2,20-dione.

7. 10a acetonyl-l9-nor-5wpregnane-l lfi,l7a,2l-triol- 2,20-dione.

9. 606,100C,160C trimethyl-l9-nor-5a-pregnane-1711-01-2, ZO-dione.

10. 10a,16a dimethyl-l9-nor-5ot-pregnane-ll ,6,17a,21- triol2,20-dione.

11. 10a cyano 1Goa-methyl-l9-nor-5a-pregnane-1113, l7 x,21-trio1-2,20-dione.

12. 10a dicarbethoxymethyl-l9-nor-5u-pregnane-l1 8, l7u,2l-triol-2,20-dione.

13. 100: ethinyl-l9-nor-5u-pregnane-l1p,17ot,21-triol- 2,20-dione.

14. 100: acetonyl-l9-nor-5a-pregnane-1lB,l7u,2l-triol- 2,20-dione.

15. 10a (fl-cyanoethyl)-l9-n0r-5rx-pregnane-11,8,17oz, 2l-triol-2,20-dione.

16. ,10ot,160c trimethyl-19-nor-5ot-pregnane-l7a,2 1- diol-2,l 1,20-trione.

17. 6a,10ot,l6cc trimethyl-19-nor-5a-pregnane-11,8,l7a, 2l-triol-2,20-dione.

18. 10a cyano 6a,l6m-dimethyl-l9-nor-5ot-pregnane- 11B,17a,21-triol-2,20-dione.

19. a dicarbethoxymethyl 6a,l6a-dimethyl-l9-nor- Saregnane-I1/3,17a,2l-triol-2,20-dione.

24}. 10c! ethinyl 6a,l6ot-dimethyl-l9-nor-5zx-pregnane- 11,8,l711,2l-triol-2,20-dione.

21. 10a acetonyl 6a,16a dimethyll9-nor-5a-pregnane-l 1,8,i7ot,21-tliOi-2,Z0-di01'l6.

22. 100: (B-cyanoethyl) 61X,160t-dil1'l6thYl-19-I10f-5Dtpregnane-l1,8,l7a,2l-triol-2,20-dione.

No references cited.

LEWIS GOTTS, Primary Examiner. 

1. A COMPOUND OF THE FOLLOWING FORMULA: 